Golf historian, author of The Great English Golf Boom, The Origins of the Sacred Nine, The Worst Golf Course Ever, and The Links on the Hills

Joined May 2021
152 Photos and videos
I have been quite on here for a while. Been busy. My latest book, Huns'ton, going to the printers next week. 😮‍💨
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Golf holes, like golf clubs, used to have names, not numbers ....Sea Headrig...Ginger Beer... Postage Stamp.... There used to be a hole at Hunstanton called Mesopotamia (the green was between a burn and the river).. it is now called '2'. #golfhistory
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My Christmas read, by my friend, Stephen Proctor. An important new work bringing golf history to life. #golfhistory #womensgolf #golf
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Michael Morrison retweeted
It’s publication day for Matchless in the UK. If you see a copy in your local book shop, post a picture. It’s alway a thrill for authors to see copies in the wild.
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Michael Morrison retweeted
Excited about this talk on 30 September as part of National Sporting Heritage Day in the R&A World Golf Museum, talking about Champion Golfer Allan Robertson. For 19 years be reigned supreme but with his early death at 43 and the game exploding, people turned to Tom Morris, who in time became the Grand Old Man of Golf. Allan's true story has been somewhat lost. Hopefully with Bill and my new research, we can get Allan restored as the rightful King of Clubs.
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Michael Morrison retweeted
To put that rarity into further context: # of Hugh Philp clubs auctioned in the past 30 years? DOZENS. # of Tom Morris clubs? DOZENS. # of Tom Morris autographs? DOZENS. # of Allan Robertson feather balls? 10-20. The rarity of this ball simply can’t be overstated.
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Michael Morrison retweeted
⛳🏌️‍♀️Museum Lecture - Old Tom Morris as a Greenkeeper In addition to his fame as a player, Old Tom was 'Keeper of the Green' at St Andrews from 1864 to his retirement in 1903. The appearance of the popular gutta ball meant more usage of the Old Course, and when appointed he brought in double greens and nine new outward holes on the seaward side beside the old single track hitherto played in both directions. He also modernised the tees and bunkers but his 'mair saund' [more sand] panacea for top-dressing the Links was occasionally caricatured. After his reluctant retiral, the R&A appointed a new 'scientific' greenkeeper, who was soon sacked, and Old Tom's traditional methods restored. 🧑‍🏫 Join David Hamilton for an insightful evening exploring the life and legacy of Old Tom Morris as Keeper of the Green David Hamilton, a former leading Scottish transplant surgeon, has long been immersed in the history of Scottish golf. Now based in St Andrews, he has written and printed several limited-edition golf books through his own Partick Press, and in 1998 published 'Golf – Scotland’s Game', a popular history of the sport. Twice honoured with the Murdoch Medal by the British Golf Collectors’ Society, Hamilton is a member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and a long-standing supporter of the Museum’s lecture series. 📍The R&A World Golf Museum 📆 Thursday 17 July, 7.00pm (doors open at 6.30pm) 🫖Refreshments available on arrival 🎟️Tickets are £10, book today to avoid missing out: eventbrite.co.uk/e/museum-le…
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Michael Morrison retweeted
A message from 1997 winner ⁦@LukeDonald⁩ to mark the 50th anniversary of the Lagonda Trophy
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Michael Morrison retweeted
22 May 2025
Today marks 100 years since the passing of Willie Park Jr — two-time Open Champion and our course architect. A newspaper article from the time recalls his appointment as architect, and we remain grateful for the layout he crafted 124 years ago.
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Michael Morrison retweeted
Pitchmarks #97 - “The Heritageans” In praise of golf’s historians! open.substack.com/pub/pitchm…
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Michael Morrison retweeted
Willie Park Sr., the first #TheOpen Champion in 1860, was a fearless competitor known for outdriving his rivals with powerful shots. A legendary pioneer of professional golf. #GolfHistory #golf #history #WillieParkSr
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The R&A Under 16 Girls Championship at the Gog Magog GC in Cambridge has a worthy winner in Sabrina Wong, 10 under par for 3 rounds. She is from Hong Kong but relocated to Glasgow... and she is only 13. Outrageously good. Fabulous golf by all the girls.
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Michael Morrison retweeted
Big year @gogmagog_golf starts with @RandA Under 16's Girls Amateur Championship with @GogMagogTeam doing what it does best 🙌🏻. The turf is good, the weather looks fair and the winner shall prevail on Sunday ... Let's Go! ⛳️ @BIGGALtd @BIGGASouthEast
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Michael Morrison retweeted
With so many great titles being written about #GolfHistory the past few years, the game’s past has NEVER been more accessible! Latest addition, The Great English Golf Boom, written in 2022 by @GolfHistoryMike, just arrived. Appreciate all you do to preserve the history of the game, Michael! I’m excited to dive in!
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A day after the Heritage Conference at St Andrews. Reflecting on the event, the excellence of the speakers and the wonderful interaction amongst all of the attendees. Thanks for making it such a special occasion. #golf #golfhistory #RandA #StAndrews
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Michael Morrison retweeted
New article by @DempsterMartin on the upcoming ‘Looking Back, Moving Forward – Making the Most of Your Golf Club’s Heritage’ conference 📰⛳️ Read the full article here: scotsman.com/sport/st-andrew…
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Very excited to be involved in the Golf Club Heritage Conference in St Andrews next week. A full house of over 80 clubs attending and a great program of speakers. #randa #StAndrews #golf #golfheritage #golfhistory
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Michael Morrison retweeted
New episode released covering the @RandA & BGCS Heritage Conference with @GolfHistoryMike which kicks off in St Andrews next week. #golfhistory #golfclubs #sharing #teaching #learning #collecting #storytelling #custodianship Firmandfastgolfpodcast.fires…
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Michael Morrison retweeted
I really hope it’s there to stay this time! 🫶🏼
Replying to @R_McStravick
Tom has got his club back! Thank you for all the support including @BillyHo_Golf and @Iona_Stephen It has been outstanding. Truly grateful to one and all. Great work by Powderhall Bronze for the repair. Just delighted.
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Michael Morrison retweeted
🌅 #FridayFoto: Low winter sun lighting up the course—brisk morning rounds are here! ❄️🏌️‍♂️ #WinterGolf #PrincesGolfClub #CrispMornings #GolfLife
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